How is it possible that climate campaigners and fossil fuels lobbyists sometimes form alliances to bring down pragmatic climate action? This is the paradox we explore today. Climate action has a deep ideological divide: one side argues for urgent, drastic measures, while the other fears that aggressive climate policies could harm economic growth.  Paradoxically, these…

The power of large groups to influence society is typically impressive: whether in music, sports, protests, or celebrations, crowds often amplify impact. Have you ever participated in a “critical mass” bicycle parade when thousands of bikers flock to the streets, singing and dinging? You know what we are talking about; crowds can be very powerful. …

Today’s paradox investigates why we tend to be more enthusiastic about unproven climate solutions rather than proven ones. Many innovative climate technologies are still in early development and far from being deployed on large scale. Meanwhile, established solutions like solar roofs and reforestation have reliably reduced carbon emissions for decades.  Logically, you would think the…

Here’s a paradox so prominent it’s become a cliche: the perfect is the enemy of the good. Few decisions we make are based on certainty. They’re all based on probabilities derived from incomplete information: Should I quit my job to pursue my entrepreneurial dream? Will the tropical storm become a hurricane and should I abandon…

Today’s paradox touches on ethics. Is it morally right to put a price on nature? Is it ethically correct to use capitalism, which caused much of the climate crisis, to solve it? And here’s another: is it ethical to develop carbon projects in poorer countries when wealthier nations caused most of the damage?  We degrade…